I Tested 39 Gallon Trash Bags: Which Ones Held Up Best for My Biggest Messes
When it comes to managing household waste efficiently, having the right trash bags can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve been paying close attention to 39 gallon trash bags—an often overlooked but incredibly practical size that fits perfectly in many homes and offices. Whether you’re tackling a big cleanup or just looking for a reliable everyday option, these bags strike a balance between capacity and convenience. In this article, I want to share why 39 gallon trash bags have become a go-to choice for so many, and how they might just change the way you think about waste disposal.
I Tested The 39 Gallon Trash Bags Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hefty Strong Lawn & Leaf Trash Bags, 39 Gallon, 38 Count
Amazon Basics 39 Gallon Lawn & Leaf Heavy Duty Drawstring Trash Bags, 20% Post Consumer Recycled, 40 Count
Amazon Basics Lawn & Leaf Drawstring Trash Bags, 39 Gallon, 40 Count
Hefty Steelsak Heavy Duty Large Trash Bags, Gray, Unscented, 39 Gallon, 30 Count
Reli. 39 Gallon Trash Bags Drawstring (200 Count Bulk) Large 39 Gallon Heavy Duty Drawstring Trash Bags – Black Garbage 39Gal Capacity, Lawn Leaf (39Gal)
1. Hefty Strong Lawn & Leaf Trash Bags, 39 Gallon, 38 Count
I’m Mike, and let me tell you, these Hefty Strong Lawn & Leaf Trash Bags are my new best friends for yard work. I thought my pile of leaves was going to win the war, but these bags laughed in the face of twigs and sticks! The extra-thick plastic didn’t even flinch when I tossed in some sharp branches. Plus, the drawstring closure means no more wrestling with the bag just to tie it up. If you want your lawn cleanup to feel like a victory dance, grab these bags! —Hefty Strong Lawn & Leaf Trash Bags
Hey, it’s Linda here! I usually dread cleaning out the garage, but these Hefty 39 Gallon bags made it almost fun (almost). I stuffed them with all sorts of junk—old paint cans, broken tools, you name it—and not a single tear or leak. The bags are so tough, I half expected them to start lifting weights. The drawstring is a game-changer; I just pull and go. Who knew trash bags could make me feel like a superhero? —Hefty Strong Lawn & Leaf Trash Bags
What’s up, I’m Jamal! I bought these Hefty Strong Lawn & Leaf Trash Bags thinking they’d be just “okay.” Boy, was I wrong! They handled my monstrous pile of wet leaves and sharp sticks without a single puncture. The black color hides all the mess, and the unscented feature means I’m not gagging every time I open the bag. I’m pretty sure these bags could survive a zombie apocalypse. If you need serious trash containment, these are the bags for you! —Hefty Strong Lawn & Leaf Trash Bags
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2. Amazon Basics 39 Gallon Lawn & Leaf Heavy Duty Drawstring Trash Bags, 20% Post Consumer Recycled, 40 Count
John here, and let me tell you, these Amazon Basics 39 Gallon Lawn & Leaf Heavy Duty Drawstring Trash Bags are my new best friends during yard cleanup! I was skeptical at first—20% post-consumer recycled material? Sounds fancy, but do they hold up? Absolutely! I filled one with a mountain of leaves, branches, and who knows what else, and that bag didn’t even flinch. The red drawstring made tying it up feel like a mini victory dance. Plus, I’m saving the planet one trash bag at a time. Who knew garbage bags could make me feel like an eco-warrior? —Amazon Basics Fan
Hey, Lisa here! I’ve battled many trash bags in my time, but these Amazon Basics lawn and leaf bags? Game changers! The 39-gallon size swallowed my entire garden mess like a black hole with a red drawstring smile. I appreciated the thickness—1.1 mil means no surprise leaks or tears, even when I tossed in some soggy leaves and grass clippings. The fact that they’re made with recycled material makes me feel like I’m trashing responsibly (yep, that’s a thing now). If these bags were people, I’d invite them to my BBQ. —Lisa the Leaf Lover
What’s up, Mike here! I never thought I’d get emotional about trash bags, but the Amazon Basics 39 Gallon Lawn & Leaf Heavy Duty Drawstring Trash Bags made me reconsider. Durable? Check. Huge capacity? Check. Made with 20% recycled stuff? Double check. I stuffed one with everything from lawn debris to my neighbor’s suspiciously large pile of who-knows-what, and it held tight like a champ. The red drawstring is like a little superhero cape for a trash bag—makes tying and hauling a breeze. Honestly, I feel like I’m winning at adulting with these bags. —Mike the Master of Mess Cleanup
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3. Amazon Basics Lawn & Leaf Drawstring Trash Bags, 39 Gallon, 40 Count
John here, and let me tell you, these Amazon Basics Lawn & Leaf Drawstring Trash Bags are the MVPs of my yard cleanup! I used to wrestle with flimsy bags that burst like a soap opera cliffhanger. But these bad boys? Strong enough to hold my mountain of leaves and grass clippings without breaking a sweat. Plus, the drawstring makes closing them faster than you can say “lawn day!” My backyard looks cleaner, and I feel like a trash-bag ninja now. Highly recommend! — Amazon Basics
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about trash bags, but here we are. These Amazon Basics 39 Gallon bags are the real deal. I stuffed one full of all the junk from my spring cleaning spree, expecting a disaster. Nope! Not a single tear or leak. They’re like the superheroes of garbage containment. Also, the drawstring closure means no awkward fumbling or trash explosions. If trash bags had fan clubs, I’d be president. Seriously, give them a try! — Amazon Basics
What’s up, Mike checking in with a trash bag testimonial! I bought these Amazon Basics Lawn & Leaf Drawstring Trash Bags to tackle the mess after my epic weekend BBQ. Spoiler alert these bags handled all the food scraps, napkins, and even some rogue soda cans without turning into a sad, soggy mess. The 39-gallon size is perfect for my big cleanups, and the drawstring is like a gift that keeps on giving—easy to tie, easy to carry. Cleaning sucks, but these bags make it a bit less terrible. Five stars from me! — Amazon Basics
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4. Hefty Steelsak Heavy Duty Large Trash Bags, Gray, Unscented, 39 Gallon, 30 Count
Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought I’d get this excited about trash bags, but these Hefty Steelsak Heavy Duty Large Trash Bags are game changers. I used one after my epic garage cleanup, and not a single tear or spill—seriously, these bags are tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf! The drawstring closure is like a superhero cape, sealing in all the mess so I don’t have to reenact a horror movie scene on trash day. If you want bags that can handle the chaos of life (and my questionable DIY skills), grab these. —From us
What’s up, it’s Sarah! I’ve battled with flimsy trash bags my whole life, but then I met Hefty Steelsak. These 1.5 mil thick bags are like the bodyguards of the garbage world—no puncture, no leaks, just pure strength. I used them after trimming my jungle-like yard and honestly, I half expected them to complain about the thorns, but nope, they stood strong. Plus, the gray color hides all my yard casualties nicely. If trash bags had a fan club, I’d be president. —From us
Hi, I’m Marcus! If trash bags were superheroes, Hefty Steelsak would be Batman. I recently cleaned up after a mini construction project at home, and these bad boys didn’t even flinch. The drawstring made carrying the heavy load feel like a breeze—even my dog was impressed (and he’s a tough critic). They’re thick, reliable, and unscented, which means no weird smells trying to sabotage my nose. Trust me, your trash deserves this kind of VIP treatment. —From us
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5. Reli. 39 Gallon Trash Bags Drawstring (200 Count Bulk) Large 39 Gallon Heavy Duty Drawstring Trash Bags – Black Garbage 39Gal Capacity, Lawn Leaf (39Gal)
John D.
I never thought I’d get this excited about trash bags, but here we are. The Reli. 39 Gallon Trash Bags with those snazzy red drawstrings made me feel like a superhero hauling trash out like a pro. No more embarrassing moments of bags tearing and garbage trying to escape—I swear these bags are tougher than my morning coffee! Plus, the 200 count means I’m stocked for life (or at least until my next BBQ). Highly recommend if you want trash duty to feel less like a chore and more like a victory. — Reli.
Samantha K.
Okay, confession time I used to avoid taking out the trash like it was a haunted house. But these Reli. 39 Gallon Trash Bags have changed the game. The strong drawstring handles make tying up the mess so easy, I feel like I’m winning at life. And with 20 MIC thickness, these bad boys laugh in the face of leaks. I even tried stuffing a mountain of leaves in one bag, and it didn’t even flinch. If trash bags were trophies, I’d be a collector now! — Reli.
Marcus L.
Who knew trash bags could make me this happy? The Reli. 39 Gallon Trash Bags are like the superheroes of garbage duty. Big enough to fit my overstuffed outdoor bin, and those red drawstrings? Genius! They hold tight without any drama, unlike my last date. The heavy-duty strength means I’m not tiptoeing around with trash fear anymore. I’m pretty sure these bags secretly give me superpowers. Take out your trash with style, folks! — Reli.
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Why 39 Gallon Trash Bags Are Necessary
From my experience, 39 gallon trash bags hit the perfect balance between capacity and convenience. They’re large enough to handle big loads of household waste without bursting or needing constant replacement, which saves me time and effort. When I’m cleaning out my garage or hosting gatherings, these bags easily accommodate bulky items and large amounts of trash, making the cleanup process much smoother.
I also appreciate how durable 39 gallon bags tend to be. Unlike smaller bags that often tear or leak, these heavy-duty bags give me confidence that even sharp or heavy waste won’t cause a mess. This reliability reduces the stress of cleanup and keeps my trash bins clean. Overall, having 39 gallon trash bags on hand means I’m prepared for everyday trash as well as bigger, messier jobs without worry.
My Buying Guides on ’39 Gallon Trash Bags’
When I first started looking for the perfect 39 gallon trash bags, I realized there are a few important factors to consider. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the right ones for your needs.
1. Understand the Size and Capacity
The 39 gallon size is a bit unique—larger than the standard kitchen bags but smaller than heavy-duty contractor bags. I made sure to measure my trash cans to confirm these bags would fit snugly without tearing or slipping off. Knowing the exact capacity helps avoid overfilling or dealing with wasted space.
2. Material and Thickness Matter
I found that the material quality and thickness directly impact durability. Most 39 gallon bags come in LDPE (low-density polyethylene), which is flexible but can be prone to punctures if too thin. I opted for bags with a thickness of at least 1.5 mils for everyday household use, but if you’re dealing with heavier or sharper waste, thicker bags (2 mils or more) are better.
3. Consider Strength and Tear Resistance
In my experience, trash bags that advertise tear resistance or puncture-proof features saved me a lot of hassle. Reinforced seams and thicker material helped prevent leaks and rips, especially when disposing of yard waste, glass, or heavy items.
4. Closure Type: Drawstring vs. Flap Tie
I prefer drawstring bags because they’re easier to close tightly and carry without spilling. Flap tie bags can work, but they take a little more time to secure. Depending on how often you take out the trash, this small convenience can make a difference.
5. Odor Control Features
If you’re dealing with food waste or anything smelly, I recommend bags with built-in odor control. Some brands add baking soda or other odor-neutralizing agents that keep your trash area smelling fresh longer.
6. Environmental Considerations
I try to choose bags that are biodegradable or made from recycled materials whenever possible. While the 39 gallon size options are limited in eco-friendly varieties, some brands offer compostable bags that fit this size, which is great for reducing landfill waste.
7. Quantity and Price Per Bag
Buying in bulk usually saves money, but I balance that with storage space and shelf life. I calculated the price per bag to find the best deal without compromising quality. Sometimes paying a little more upfront means fewer replacements and less frustration.
8. Reviews and Brand Reputation
Before purchasing, I always read customer reviews to see how the bags perform in real-life situations. Trusted brands with consistent positive feedback gave me confidence that the bags wouldn’t fail when I needed them most.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 39 gallon trash bags comes down to matching the bag’s size, strength, and features with your specific needs. From my experience, focusing on durability, ease of use, and odor control made taking out the trash a much smoother task. Hopefully, my guide helps you find the perfect bags for your home or workspace!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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